Building a contender on a budget

The Detroit News's Ted Kuflan joined Mlive.com's own Ansar Khan in discussing the Wings' options as they try to retool the Big Red Machine while skirting close to the cap.

June 30, Detroit News: The Wings have said they'd prefer to get a goalie through free agency so they wouldn't have to give up any assets.

But, if the bidding goes too high, going after a goalie such as Biron, who recently accepted a $2.15 million qualifying offer from the Sabres, could become a viable alternative.

A physical defenseman is also on the Wings' wish list. Former Wing and current Hurricane Aaron Ward could fit the need and is within the Wings' salary range.

The Sharks have a goalie available, but don't count on the Wings nabbing him:

June 30, Ottawa Sun: [S]ources say a deal between the Sharks and Senators for goalie Vesa Toskala is all but dead. It's believed the Sharks haven't been able to work out a contract extension with Ottawa winger Martin Havlat, so San Jose will shift its focus and try to deal Evgeni Nabokov.

In the Senators' case, they have turned their attention to three or four other teams who are willing to acquire Havlat in a straight-up deal for another winger. Sources say it's possible that Havlat could be dealt by tomorrow.

However, Kevin Allen suggests that keeping Nick in a Red Wings uniform may not be a tap-in shot:

June 30, USA Today: The Detroit Red Wings and Lidstrom, the Norris Trophy winner, have been talking continuously about a new deal. The expectation has always been that he would stay in Detroit, but "hometown discount" has become a phrase that is getting more attention now that the league has a salary cap.